This summer, we are thrilled to be able to go on our 6th annual Temple Beth Elohim Camping Initiative Summer Road Trip to visit more than 200 members of our TBE Youth Community are participating in (or staffing) overnight Jewish programs, including regional camps, Israel trips and Mitzvah Corps. Each summer, we visit our campers to say hi, to check out camp, and to learn about how we can bring camp home to our youth programs.Here’s the best part - if you’re wondering how to make Jewish Camp part of your child’s Jewish Journey, you’re invited to join us!

Why does TBE love Jewish Camp SO much?Jewish overnight camps provide our children with safe, exciting, creative opportunities to explore who they are and what they can be...as kids, as Jews, as members of a community. Camp is our Jewish home away from home: throughout the year, we collaborate on programming and share best practices, and even go to camp for Shabbatonim (retreats) and other events. Most importantly, camp isn’t a separate experience—it’s an extension of a child’s Jewish Journey that starts here at TBE. During the summer, they’re learning the same values, traditions and history as they learn at TBE, and we’re equal partners in helping them grow up to be well-rounded, independent Jewish teens and adults. Not convinced? Check out our resources here, including articles about the importance of summer camp (Jewish camp in particular).Why should I come on the TBE Youth Summer Road Trip?We love talking to parents to help them learn about Jewish camp and identify which camp is the right fit for their child. A big part of why we visit each summer is to learn about the traditions, values and cultures of each camp so that we can bring it home to you. But do you know what’s even better than that? If YOU visit camp with your child! There’s a feeling of being at camp and seeing campers in action that captures the magic and happiness of a summer home away from home better than we (or the camp’s website) could ever do. It also helps you see the subtle differences between camps—all of our camps are wonderful (we wouldn’t promote them if they weren’t!) but one might be a better fit for your child.

I’m sold—now what?There are several next steps you can take!

Plan to visit to camp with TBE: We’ve partnered with CJP to make this easier than ever. July 13, 2017: CJP & TBE visit URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academyand Camp Tel Noar! Click here to register for a July 13 visit to URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy and Camp Tel Noar. There will be two bus pick up locations at 8:30 am, from Temple Beth Avodah in Newton and Temple Israel in Natick. You’re welcome to meet us at camp, but you’ll still need to register for security reasons. We will be providing portable breakfast, water and afternoon snacks on the buses and lunch at Sci-Tech.July 20, 2017: CJP & TBE visit JCC Camp Kingswood! Click here to register for a July 20 visit to JCC Camp Kingswood. A bus will leave from the Newton JCC at 8:30 am. RSVP or contact Leah for more information!Not able to join us for a CJP visit? That’s okay! Leah will be visiting most of the camps that our students attend, and will visit the rest next year. Contact her if you’re interested in joining.

Plan your own visit to camp: Want to plan your own day so you’re not working around someone else’s schedule? No problem! You can find tour and contact information for our regional camps here. Try camp for a day (and maybe a night): Different camps have different names for it (Rookie Day, Training Camp, Try Camp for a Day, Camp K’tzat), but many camps have the option for prospective campers to come for a full day, and sometimes night, to experience what it’s like to be part of the community before committing to 4 weeks away from home. These opportunities are perfect for a child who is considering going to camp next summer but is feeling a little nervous (or their parents are!) or want to make sure they’ve chosen the right camp. See a list of our regional camps and information about their programs here. Many camps also have programs for prospective and first-time campers throughout the year.Contact a member of the TBE Youth Team: Choosing the right camp (and finding the money to pay for it) can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Luckily, you have resources at home who can guide you through the whole process. Whatever your question, you can contact Leah and she’ll help you find the answer, whether it’s a connection with a camp director, information about scholarships from CJP or TBE, or sitting down for coffee (or ice cream with your prospective camper) to talk a little bit more about what you child can expect to get out of a summer at camp and how to find the perfect match.

Stay in touch!

Regardless of what direction you go while picking a camp, or how much support you need, we'd love to know what you're thinking so that we can best support you. Visiting camp this summer? Let us know, we'd love to catch up afterwards—your decision and insight could help another family find the right home away from home.Helpful Resources: